Just because a child is falling asleep doesn’t mean their brain—and psyche—can’t absorb important lessons.
That’s the thinking behind Ollie, an innovative doll that connects to an app, allowing children to listen to positive affirmations as they fall asleep, bolstering their self-esteem and confidence. Ollie’s creator Tiana Catala (CGS’20, COM’22) won first place—and $18,000—in the social impact track at BU’s annual New Venture Competition, which showcases student solutions for unmet community needs that have the potential to grow into scalable ventures.
“Children like my siblings—and my younger self—are going to have the confidence-building tools they need to flourish into great adults,” Catala says. “This win gives me hope.”